Etihad Aviation Group celebrates 2018 as the Year of Zayed

Abu Dhabi, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) has announced a year-long programme of activities and humanitarian initiatives to mark 2018 as the Year of Zayed.

Etihad’s headquarters in Abu
Dhabi inaugurated its Year of Zayed activities yesterday by holding a flag-raising
ceremony attended by employees. The aviation group's offices and buildings around
the world are now adorned with Sheikh Zayed's inspiring quote: "The union
is our ticket to power and prosperity”.

The UAE President His
Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared 2018 the Year of Zayed, a
nationwide initiative, which will highlight the UAE founding father's
unparalleled role in establishing the UAE Federation, and his local, regional
and international achievements as well as his values and principles.

Khaled Al Mehairbi, Senior Vice President Abu
Dhabi Airport, and General Manager of Etihad Airport Ground Services, who also
serves as Chairman of Etihad Airways’ Sports and Social Committee, and CSR
strategy said: “We are tremendously proud of the rapid growth of Abu Dhabi and
the union. All the people of the UAE are, and will always remain the most
important element of our nation’s development. This was our father Sheikh
Zayed’s main objective and vision.

“This year is a momentous
one as we proudly honour his achievements and celebrate his legacy in Abu Dhabi
and around the world.”

In support of the national
initiative, and to reaffirm its commitment to the UAE, Etihad has launched a
strategy based on the government’s four Year of Zayed pillars: Wisdom, Respect,
Sustainability and Human Development.

To celebrate the event, Etihad has released a
short film titled 'Running Boy' to honour Sheikh Zayed’s legacy of human
development in the UAE. The film follows a boy who runs through surroundings, which
change through the years in celebration of the 46 years that have passed since
the inception of the UAE.

Etihad will also pay tribute to Sheikh Zayed’s
humanitarian spirit by planning initiatives focused on supporting societies and
urban developments in many countries.

The first of many year-long initiatives is the
Rohingya-focused charity campaign this month supporting Burmese children and
families fleeing to Bangladesh. This will include a welfare trip to Bangladesh
where more than 3000 refugees will receive winter clothes, blankets, tents, and solar lamp power.

Etihad will also continue its ongoing efforts
to promote an eco-friendly environment within the UAE with the establishment of
five greenhouses as part of its ‘Greener Together’ campaign.

Inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s vision of the
empowerment of youth, Etihad will support the establishment of libraries and
skill development centres in a number of countries including Nepal, Morocco,
Philippines and India, and will continue driving its global education
initiative by supporting the refurbishment of elementary schools on Samboja
Island in Indonesia. Etihad’s global education campaign was launched in 2012
and has since helped more than 100,000 students around
the world to continue their education.

A number of events to showcase values and tolerance
are planned in the UAE this year, including an International Women’s Day
celebration at Etihad’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, and marking International
Tolerance Day in November.